Todd Wilson Agnew was born on March 15, 1971 in Dallas, Texas. His mother was Native American and he was adopted at birth by a white couple. In the Fall of 1999 he helped run a Bible study for college students and singles called Metro Bible Study at Germantown Baptist Church. He was also involved in forming Highpoint Church in Memphis. In 2003 Agnew put out his debut album, GRACE LIKE RAIN, the title track of which, was very popular. 2005's REFLECTION OF SOMETHING birthed 'Unchanging One'. Fast forward to 2007 and he released his fourth studio album entitled BETTER QUESTIONS (Ardent/INO). In the liner notes, he writes: "Thanks...to our Great God, the divine mystery. He who beckons us with questions beyond our understanding into an intimate relationship with One beyond our comprehension". The album was produced by Todd and John Hampton.
1. Starting things off is a short piano based 'Prelude'. Here are the words from it that set the tone for the album: "I've got better questions than I have answers/Better dreams than I have plans/I've got better thoughts than I have actions/So I built my house on what I thought was solid ground/But I know it could be sand".
2. 'Still Has A Hold' is one of several tracks penned solely by Agnew. It's a great country/rock song complete with lap steel and fiddle. Agnew reflects on his spiritual life: "Sometimes I'm on the mountain holding on to Your hand/Sometimes I'm in the middle holding the best I can/Sometimes I'm in the valley and I let go long ago/When my hand is weak and tired/Your hand still has a hold".
3. Steve Selvidge plays guitar on 'Least of These', a meaty hard rocker directed at Christians: "I'm a druggie, I'm a pusher, I'm a one-night stand whore/Accuser, an abuser with nothing to live for/A devil, a deceiver and probably much more/But why does it have to define me?/Why do you always remind me?/Why can't I be free from who I've been?/Why can't you see me as one of the least of these?"
4. 'If You Wanted Me' is a ballad of reflection: "If You wanted me to walk on water/Why'd You make the solid ground seem so right?.../If You wanted me to love You only/Why'd You make the moonlight sparkle in her eyes?.../If You wanted me to die to myself/Why'd You make me fall so deeply in love with life?"
5. Fernando Ortega and Mac Powell wrote 'Our Great God'. Here, this modern praise and worship song, is a lovely duet between Todd and Rebecca St. James. There is a guitar solo by Jason Rooney. Strings are arranged by Jonathan Kirkscey and a choir is used. Here are some of the awesome words: "Let every creature in the sea and every flying bird/Let every mountain, every field and valley of the earth/Let all the moons and all the stars in all the universe/Sing praises to the living God who rules them by His Word/Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!"
6. Rick Steff plays the Wurlitzer and Joy Whitlock sings backing vocals on 'Lovers in our Heads', a nice ballad that encourages us not to spend our time judging others: "Are we more concerned with the fruit of another/Never noticing our own barren branches?/Are we more consumed with casting stones at each other/While ignoring the lovers in our beds, our own beds in our heads?"
7. 'Peace on Earth' is a pop song that reminds us our compassion must extend to everyone: "As long as we say prayers for our children that we do not pray for others/There won't be/And as long as we take offerings for those in need/To appease our guilt over our greed/There won't be/There won't be peace on earth (3X)/There won't be, there won't be/Won't be peace". The song includes a short rap break by Benton A. James of the Urban Sophisticates.
8. 'Funny' is a creative pop/rock song that draws from some Old Testament stories: "It's funny how a fish can obey You/How a plant can obey You/How the sun can obey You/And how a donkey can obey You/It seems like everything can obey You, but I can't".
9. 'Don't Say a Word' is a catchy pop/rock song with a message for us all to heed: "My mama told me when I was a child/Son, you've gotta keep a hold of your tongue/And if you don't have anything nice to say, my child/Well, don't say anything at all/'Cause every single thing that comes out of your mouth/Someone's listening/Taking as the truth every word that comes out/So don't, don't, don't/Don't say a word".
10. 'War Inside' is one heck of a rock song, drawing from the apostle Paul's words: "I do what I don't want to do/And don't do what I mean/I end up chasing all my nightmares/Abandoning my dreams/'Cause there's a war inside of me/Between who I want to be and who I am".
11. Todd co-wrote 'Martyr's Song' with author Ted Dekker. This beautiful inspirational anthem runs over six minutes long and makes use of a children's choir and an adult choir (which includes Clay Cross). Strings are performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Here are some of the words told from God's perspective: "I've been waiting to watch you realize/What all your longing was for/And I've been waiting to show you the thread of grace/That ran through all your pain/And I've been waiting to let you drink the water of which your greatest joy on earth was just a taste/I've been waiting for the day when at last I get to say/'My child you are finally home!'".
12. 'On a Corner in Memphis' is a great bluesy story song: "It's 11:15 on Sunday morning/And I wish I was/On a corner in Memphis listening to the old man/Singing out his sorrows and laying down his pride/He's telling me his story or at least his side/With no need to pretend and nowhere to hide/Cause we are all broken here/And we are all ashamed/I couldn't fool you if I wanted to/Our stories are too much the same".
13. Rick Steff plays B-3 on 'Family', a groovy and smoking song with a great message: "Who's my neighbor?/Who's my loved one?/Who's my friend/We are all family (2X)/If we're all under one Father, that makes us all brothers/We are all family/You don't have to look like me for us to be brotherly/You don't have to be like me for us to be family/You don't have to think like me for us to speak intimately/You don't have to agree with me/For us to be family".
14. 'Preachers and Thieves' includes this thought-provoking chorus: "As I'm standing here on this stage/Hanging from a cross that I have made/What you see is probably deceit/Only God knows the difference/The difference between preachers and thieves".
15. Rich Mullins and Justin Peters wrote 'Can I Be With You' which appeared as 'Be With You' on Mullins' 1987 release PICTURES IN THE SKY. The song here is presented as a great rock ballad with background vocals by Joy Whitlock, as well as group vocals. Here are some of the words: "And when my body lies in the ruins of the lies that nearly ruined me/Will You pick up the pieces that were pure and true/And breathe life into them and set them free?/And when You start this world over again from scratch/Will You make me anew out of the stuff that lasts?/Stuff that's purer than gold is and clearer than glass could ever be/Can I be with You? (2X)".
16. Last up on the standard edition of the CD is an unlisted okay cover of the praise and worship song 'Glorious Day'. It exalts Christ: "Suffering anguish, despised and rejected/Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!/And one day the grave could conceal Him no longer/One day the stone rolled away from the door/Then He arose; over death He had conquered/Now He's ascended, my Lord forevermore!"
BETTER QUESTIONS is essentially a great rock music album, but you will also find five other musical styles on it, including adult contemporary, praise and worship, and blues. Todd's voice is raw and gritty and equally suited to the fast and slower song presented here. A main theme on the album is loving our neighbours. Our neighbour is defined as anyone alive really, regardless of economic status, race, location, religion, etc. We are to love 'the least of these' like Jesus did. We are not to judge others but focus on our own spiritual state. Todd makes it clear that it is not easy to obey God when it comes to many things, but it should still be our goal. God is praised for His greatness and worshiped for dying for our sins and rising three days later. We have the hope of heaven and we will be given new 'bodies'. Fans of Seventh Day Slumber and Kutless should pick up this Christian rock album which I'm rating 95%. For more info visit: www.toddagnew.com or connect with him on Facebook.
Carman Domenic Licciardello was born on January 19th, 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey. He became a born again Christian at an Andrae Crouch concert. He released his debut album, GOD'S NOT FINISHED WITH ME YET, in 1980 and toured with The Bill Gaither Trio. As the years went on he became known for such cool novelty songs as 'Lazarus, Come Forth', 'Sunday's On the Way', and 'The Champion'. Fast forward to 1988 and he released the live album LIVE: RADICALLY SAVED (Benson). The first ten of the eleven tracks were recorded at the Brady Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Producers were Keith Thomas with an assist by John Andrew Shreiner, while Carman served as executive producer. The album was Carman's 7th and in 1989 he won a Dove for the accompanying 'Long Form Music Video of the Year'.
1. The concert opens with applause and clapping and the words "Ladies and Gentlemen" being repeated a few times.
2. The first song is 'I've Been Delivered', one of eight tracks penned solely by Carman. Dann Huff plays guitars and Chris McDonald arranges horns on this energetic swing/rock 'n' roll song of testimony: "Jesus healed the blind man, made him see/Cast demons out the man from Gaderene/Cleansed the lepers too/He made the lame brand new/He put hope back in a hopeless life/I testify to you/I've been delivered (2X)/The hold the devil had on me/He ain't got no more/I've been delivered (3X)/By the hand of the Lord".
3. 'Lord of All' became a #2 hit for Carman and features backing vocals by: Kim Fleming, BeBe Winans, Chris Rodriguez, Mike English, and Keith Thomas. This one's a groovy sounding praise and worship song: "Lord, You are wonderful/Lord, You are glorious/You are Lord of all.../Jesus Christ is Lord of all/Every knee shall bow/Every tongue confess/That Jesus Christ is Lord of all/Lift up your eyes/Let the church arise/Jesus Christ is Lord of all".
4. 'Radically Saved' was a #1 hit. On it, Mark O'Connor plays the fiddle and Willie Davis the organ. It's a wonderful pop/rock song on which Carman gets his Pentecostal on: "Jesus Christ is Lord and God's still on the throne/There's power in the blood/And I'm saved to the bone/If the devil comes against me/He's gonna feel some pain/Cause I can bind him, bruise him, cast him out/By the power of Jesus' Name.../No longer on the outside/On the inside I now stand/Do you know what it's like to be sold out, the whole route?/How about born again?/I believe on the third day Jesus rose from the grave/The world thinks we're crazy/Our friends think we're crazy/Our family thinks we're crazy/But we are just what?/We're just radically saved".
5. 'No Way, We are Not Ashamed' was a #15 hit and includes background vocals by Chris Rodriguez, Lisa Bevill, and Donna McElroy. This song with a Caribbean feel to it is one of boldness: "No way, we are not ashamed of the Gospel or His Name/Holy hands are lifted high to the Name of Jesus Christ.../Do you know Christ is still the answer for the world today?/There is no other name so given/Unto a fallen man that he might be saved".
6. Next up is a true novelty song 'Soap Song', which is a ballad on which Carman plays guitar. The lyrics are fun including these ones: "If we want true contentment/Peace in our homes/With an end to marital strife/We must live for Jesus Christ, the only 'Guiding Light'/Not one but all the 'Days of Our Lives'".
7. 'Celebrating Jesus' has a fun, upbeat late 50's/early 60's rock 'n' roll feel to it, complete with Elvis style vocals. Christ is exalted: "We're celebrating Jesus/That's what Christmas means to me/It's the birthday of the One/Who makes the blind to see/He purchased my salvation/Way back on Calvary/I'm celebrating Jesus/That's what Christmas means to me.../There's presents round the tree/One for you and me/But the greatest gift of all/Is still a soul set free".
8. Carman and John Rosasco co-wrote 'Bless God'. Jimmie Lee Sloas plays bass and Guy Penrod is one of six background vocalists on this inspirational praise and worship ballad: "Bless God for all He's done/Bless God for Christ His Son/Let us magnify Him/For He's holy, holy/One voice in unity/One voice of praise to Thee/With hearts of love and worship/We will sing 'Bless God'".
9. Carman and Keith Thomas co-wrote 'Jericho: The Shout of Victory' which runs over 7.5 minutes. Robert Wynne provides narration at the beginning of this story song. A choir and orchestra are used on this track as well. Here are some of the words: "So with the confidence of warring angels Israel stood stone ready/To obey Joshua/Speak to their mountain and shout/For God was giving them the city/Six days they marched around Jericho/And the last day they marched seven/While the Caananites jeered from their evil walls/Israel's faith reached heaven".
10. John Andrew Schreiner plays keyboards on 'I Feel Jesus'. Carman speaks and says God can heal us of our sicknesses and backslidings. Here are the words to this reverent chorus: "I feel Jesus, I feel Jesus/I feel Jesus in this place/Yes, my soul does burn within me/I feel Jesus in this place".
11. Last up is 'God of All Nations Medley' which imagines seven songs from seven different geographical locations including Germany, Mexico, Italy, and the U.S.A. This final track which includes talking and singing and elements of humor runs 21.5 minutes long! Here are some of the words: "The Spirit of Jesus is living in me/Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!/The Holy Spirit the world cannot see/Praise the Lord, praise the Lord!.../God is with me, God is for me/But I tell you most of all/He's in my heart.../I need You more than ever now (2X)/Lord, I need You more today than when I first believed/I need You more than ever now.../We're not drunk as you suppose/We're just filled with the Holy Ghost".
LIVE: RADICALLY SAVED is a live record that clocks in at 64 minutes and 24 seconds. On it, you will hear a variety of genres of music: rock 'n' roll, pop/rock, easy listening, and praise and worship. There are songs of testimony. There is power in the blood of Jesus unto salvation. Jesus delivers us from sin, Satan's grip, and strongholds. God is loving and faithful towards us. Carman lifts up Jesus on this album. He is worthy, wonderful, glorious, and powerful. He gives peace and contentment and is the only Way to God. He is the Answer for the world and ultimately every knee will bow before Him and every tongue will confess Him as Lord. After listening to this album you will be encouraged to be strong and bold in your Christian faith. There is also a good story song about the Israelites, with God's help, taking Jericho. I'm rating this live CD 90 %. For more info visit: www.carman.org or connect with him on Facebook.
Mark Mitchell Schultz was born in Kansas on September 16/70 and was adopted when he was two weeks old. Around eight years of age he started teaching himself piano by ear. While a student at Kansas State University he traveled with the Kansas State Singers. Later on, he became a waiter in Nashville. For eight years he was a youth director at First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. In 2000 he released his debut self-titled album on Myrrh Records. He wrote all eleven songs, while the album was produced by Monroe Jones and executive produced by Dan Posthuma.
1. 'I Am the Way' is a power-pop song that finds Christ speaking words of assurance to us: "When you're down, look around and you'll see/I am with you/Look to Me and you'll see I will be there to guide you/Take My hand and I can lead you on/For you know/I am the answer/I am the way/I am the promise/I have called your name".
2. 'Let's Go' is another power-pop song (but shorter) that encourages mission work: "Let's go to the foreign shore/Find a way to give like we never gave before/Let's go, going far and wide/Pack your bag and leave it all behind/What are we waiting for?/Let's go!"
3. Mark wrote the album's debut single, 'He's My Son', in the middle of his friend John's son's year long battle with leukemia. This moving piano based adult contemporary ballad begins with these words: "I'm down on my knees again tonight/I'm hoping this prayer will turn out right/See there is a boy that needs Your help/I've done all that I can do myself/His mother is tired/I'm sure You can understand/Each night as he sleeps/She goes in to hold his hand/And she tries not to cry/As the tears fill her eyes".
4. 'When You Come Home' is a beautiful ballad about a mother's love: "When you come home/No matter how far/Run through the door and into my arms/It's where you are loved/It's where you belong/And I will be here/When you come home".
5. 'When You Give' is a peppy pop song with gospel-like influences. It's all about Christian service: "When you give/When you love/When you serve/You do it unto Me.../He lived a life of love/Gave away all He'd been given/Sent from the One above/And then He gave His life/To love, serve/He came down from heaven to spread the word/To teach, pray..."
6. 'Fall in Love Again' is an easy listening romantic song of longing: "Never dreamed of letting go/But now you're gone/It feels so wrong.../I believe in faith above/In giving everlasting love/I believe there is a chance for us".
7. Next up is 'Cloud of Witnesses', an easy listening ballad that speaks of how our parents and teachers who go to heaven before us are eagerly watching and waiting for us: "A cloud of witnesses that would see them through the years/Cheer them with a smile and pray them through the tears/A cloud of witnesses that would see them to the end/And shower them with love that never ends/A cloud of witnesses".
8. The next song is 'Learn to Let Go'. Of it, Schultz writes: "This song was inspired as I watched a mother and father pray for their daughter as she was leaving for college". Here are some of the words: "And when I walk in your bedroom/The memories that I keep/Are bedtime stories/And rocking you to sleep/And as I held you/You'd drift off to dream/And I know it might sound crazy/Now that you are grown/But yesterday still feels like the day we brought you home".
9. Schultz says 'I Saw the Light' was written about Charles who "was a blind elderly man I met in a run-down infirmary in Jamaica". This upbeat pop song includes these words: "We met and my eyes could not hide how I felt/When I looked at him tattered and torn/But he captured me with a smile that seems so out of place/From the pain he'd endured/And he told me of a sacrifice/That had given him eternal life/He was not alone/He spoke about a greater plan/And I began to understand/My life was not my own".
10. The pop/rock story song 'Legend of McBride' was written around a campfire. It's a fun track you've got to hear to fully appreciate!
11. Last up is 'Remember Me', one of three #1 songs on the album. It's a lovely duet ballad with Ginny Owens: "Remember Me when the color of the sunset fills the sky/Remember Me/When you pray and tears of joy fall from your eyes/And age to age/And heart to heart/Bound by grace and peace/Child of wonder/Child of God/I've remembered you/Remember Me".
MARK [SCHULTZ] is a terrific debut album. It covers a variety of topics. The unconditional love of parents is praised here. We love our children when they are healthy and when they are very sick. We love them when they are still at home and when they go away to college or university. Our arms are always open to welcome them home if they go away. The importance of Christian service and overseas missions is also presented here. Christ is pointed to as the ultimate Way and ultimate Answer for humanity. God longs that we remember Him and love Him though we can't currently see Him. The main musical genres on this project are pop/rock, easy listening, and adult contemporary. Fans of Michael W. Smith, Billy Joel, and Matthew West should acquire this album which I'm rating 93%. For more info visit: www.markschultzmusic.com or connect with him on Facebook.
Gregory Alan Long was born on December 12, 1966 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. His folks were traveling evangelists. Greg gave his life to Christ when he was just four and sang and recorded with the family group. Fast forward to 1994 and he released his debut album CROSS MY HEART. One of the radio hits from it was 'How Long?', a duet with Margaret Becker. He followed this album up with DAYS OF GRACE (1995, Myrrh). It was produced by John and Dino Elefante and executive produced by Judith Cotton.
1. Starting things off is 'Love All Around the World'. It was penned by seven, yes seven, people: Greg, Joel Lindsey, Kevin Shorey, Dino Elefante, Greta Garner-Hewitt, Julie Adams, and Marty Hennis, and became a #24 Christian radio hit. Anointed sing background vocals on this catchy pop/dance song with something to say about the kind of people we should be: "Love all around the world/Love for every boy and girl/Love came down for you and me/Love created our history/Love all around the world/Love from His holy Word/Love is all that we believe/Love is everything we should be/Love all around the world/Love is a decision/You and I must make/In how we live our everyday lives".
2. John Elefante sings harmony vocals on the adult contemporary song, 'Thankful'. It offers these words of testimony: "Oh, even when my faith seems to be darkened by my fear/I look for You and You're always here/And I don't understand why You would give this all to me/I only hope that You will see/That I'm so thankful/Words can never be enough/I'm so thankful/That You've given me Your love".
3. 'All You Need to Know' is an easy listening number that finds God speaking words of reassurance to His children: "Don't forget I chose you before creation was ever spoken/Heaven and Earth will pass away/Before my promise is broken/Right at the edge of your circumstance/You'll find mercy's open hand".
4. Ty Lacy, Steve Siler, and John Elefante co-wrote the title track, 'Days of Grace'. It's a pleasant adult contemporary song of spiritual invitation: "To all those who feel like there's no one who cares/To those who can't see past the end of despair/He's waiting/With open arms/To all those who feel like they've missed their last chance/There's always a place in the Savior's plan/There's mercy right where you are/'Cause these are the days of grace/Where our deliverance waits/And anyone who seeks His face/Will never be turned away/'Cause these are the days of grace".
5. 'You'll Get Through This' is an easy listening ballad of encouragement: "When doubt starts tearing at the faith deep/You don't be afraid/Just remember what I said/Nothing formed against you will succeed/As long as your heart's turned toward me/You'll get through this/You'll break new ground/When you're lost within your weakness/Hope is waiting to be found".
6. Greg, Phil Sillas, and John Elefante co-wrote 'Joy', an adult pop song of testimony: "You have been a healing in a world so unkind/When I rest in You Lord/I can finally find/Joy, the kind that comes from above/That only comes from Your love into my life/What about the joy/The kind that I know is real?/Doesn't matter how I feel/You're on my side/I'm trusting in Your words/Believing all of the time/Even in my weakness it's the strength of my life/Everyday in every way/It's joy!" Glenn Pearce plays some great electric guitar here.
7. 'All the World to Me' makes great use of strings and is a reverent praise and worship ballad: "Your goodness is a treasure/I am so unworthy of/And I commit my fragile heart/To the mercy of your love/Your truth and Your forgiveness/My soul can not resist/And all I've said and done/Come down to this/Jesus, You are all the world to me/Without Your love I wouldn't want to be".
8. The Elefante brothers, John and Dino, wrote 'Love the Lord' which Greg took to #5 on Christian radio. It's a catchy, well written pop/dance track with a simple, but true chorus: "You've got to love the Lord with all of your heart and all of your mind/Love the Lord with all your soul and all of your strength". Mark Douthit plays sax here and Eternity provide strong background vocals.
9. 'I Promise You' was penned by Greg, Londa Hentges, and Pam Thum. It's a good adult contemporary ballad appropriate for weddings: "I'll stand by you/Through good and bad/I'll be right here/To hold your hand/His love is the reason I say/I promise you/As sure as oceans are blue/I am gonna love you forever/I promise you/No matter what you go through/We are gonna make it together/I promise you".
10. Last up is 'What Would I Be'. It`s a song of gratitude: "What would I be without Your love in my life making it worthwhile?/What would I do without Your tenderness that's teaching me to smile?/ Who I am today is not who I would have been/In You my heart's more full of hope than I've ever dreamed/Oh Lord, without Your mercy covering me/What would I be?"
DAYS OF GRACE points to God as a refuge in times of trouble and doubt. We should be ever grateful for His love, faithfulness, and tenderness towards us, ultimately displayed at Calvary. Our response to God's love should be a desire to live for God with all we've got and to abide in Him. This album encourages us to persevere in our faith in times of hardship. As well we are urged to love others as God has loved us. There is also a romantic wedding song thrown in for good measure. The main musical genres here are pop/dance, adult contemporary and easy listening, with the slow songs outnumbering the fast ones. Greg's vocals are smooth and soulful. Fans of Bryan Duncan and Michael English should enjoy this project which I'm rating 88 %. In 2003 Greg became a member of Avalon. He is also a worship leader at Woodland Church in Texas. For more info visit: www.greglong.com or connect with him on Facebook.
Rebecca Jean Smallbone was born on July 26, 1977 in Sydney, Australia. In 1990 she opened for Carman on his tour stops in that country when she was just twelve. In 1991 she put out the independent album REFRESH MY HEART. Moving forward to 1996, she released GOD, a terrific album that was nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Rock Gospel Album'. Its successor PRAY had more of a dance feel to it and won a Grammy for 'Best Rock Gospel Album'. Her career signature song would have to be 'Wait for Me', which encourages youth to save sex for marriage. Rebecca's last studio album was 2011's I WILL PRAISE YOU (Beach Street/Reunion). It was produced by Mark A. Miller and executive produced by Terry Hemmings. In the liner notes Rebecca writes: "Jesus, thank You for Your gracious love for me. And thanks for the privilege of serving You. Use this album to honor Yourself. I love You".
1. Rebecca, Jonathan Lee, and Fred Williams wrote the album's title track and second single, 'I Will Praise You'. I love these beautiful opening words to this pop/dance song: "Joy comes in the morning/The sun is rising/And I wait for You/Streams flow in the desert/There's an oasis/And I wait for You/Whatever the storm, whatever is lost/Whatever it takes, whatever the cost/I will praise You/I will praise You".
2. A cover of Matt and Beth Redman's 'You Never Let Go' is next and dates back to 2005. It's a melodic modern worship song that places great confidence in God: "I know You are near and I will fear no evil/For my God is with me/And if my God is with me/Whom then shall I fear?/Whom then shall I fear?/Oh no, You never let go/Through the calm and through the storm/Oh no, You never let go/In every high and every low/Oh no, You never let go/Lord, You never let go of me".
3. Rebecca and Jason Ingram co-wrote the lead single, 'Shine Your Glory Down'. It's a catchy pop/dance song that serves as a heartfelt prayer: "With each breath, fill me/With each step, free me/When I love, Father love through me/Oh Majesty.../Light of the world, light up this day/God, I long to see Your face/Oh shine Your glory down/Light of the world be on display/And every heart will sing Your praise/Oh shine Your glory down".
4. 'You Still Amaze Me' is a great ballad that uses strings arranged by John Mark Painter. It testifies: "Oh how beautiful the sound that has saved a wretch like me/I was lost but I am found/I was captive till You made me free/It was grace that taught my heart how to marvel at Your Name/Breaking all my fears apart/Taking all my doubt and shame/And it all comes down to this/Yeah it all comes down to/Your grace is amazing to me/Your love is still such a wonder/Your cross is still bringing me to my knees, oh God".
5. 'In a Moment' was written by Rebecca's worship pastor Michael Neale and her brother Joel Smallbone. It's a modern worship ballad that uses group vocals to good effect and anticipates Christ's return: "In a moment everyone falls silent/To hear the mighty trumpet/Split the eastern sky/Just imagine the King of all creation/Riding through the heavens/Returning for His bride/Alleluia, alleluia/Hear the sound of Heaven ring/Alleluia, alleluia/All the earth will bow and sing".
6. 'The Kindness of our God' is an inspirational song that touches on both Christmas and Easter: "The angels sang a song of peace/For unto us a child was born/And with Him came the earth's release/This is the mercy of our God/We drove the nails into the cross/He took the weight of sin for us/Because of love He paid the cost/This is the kindness of our God".
7. 'When the Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)' eagerly anticipates the future: "God of all mysteries, Lord of the universe/Righteous King/There will come a day standing face to face/In a moment, we will be like Him/He will wipe our eyes dry, take us up to His side/And forever we will be His".
8. Stu Garrard, Paul Mabury, Jon Thatcher, and Jason Ingram wrote 'Almighty God'. This atmospheric pop song grows in musical intensity and offers hope: "There is a river/It's overflowing/The presence of our Lord is here/There is a river/Our joy will rise as we draw near/Almighty God is our fortress/He is with us/ And God is with us/Almighty God will not fail us/He is with us/God is with us".
9. 'You Hold Me Now' is a Hillsong cover. It's a lovely modern worship ballad that looks to the future: "I'm believing for the day/When the wars and violence cease/All creation lives in peace/Let the songs of Heaven rise to You alone.../For eternity, all my heart will give/All the glory to Your Name".
10. Rebecca co-wrote 'You Make Everything Beautiful' with brother Luke Smallbone, and Fred Williams. It's a quiet piano/keys driven number that finds Rebecca talking to God: "Lifting open hands to You my Savior/Beautify my soul/Knowing You redeem my pain and failure/Purify my soul/Beautify my soul".
I WILL PRAISE YOU is mainly a modern worship record with the slower songs outnumbering the faster ones. The first three songs are more pop/dance in nature but then the album quiets down overall. Rebecca's vocals and use of background vocalists are a highlight on this album. Rebecca is determined to praise God no matter what the circumstances. He is to be praised for His faithfulness, care, kindness, creation, grace, the cross, and salvation! There are songs that long for and celebrate God's presence here on earth, and there are many references to the end of time as we know it when Christ will return and we'll be enjoying eternal life in heaven. I'm rating I WILL PRAISE YOU 90%. For more info connect with Rebecca St. James on Facebook. I hope if she does ever put out a new album it is rock oriented in nature. Right now she is enjoying being a wife and a mother. Her brothers Joel and Luke are for King & Country.
When The New Gaither Vocal Band was formed it was comprised of Bill Gaither and Gary McSpadden (two-thirds of The Bill Gaither Trio) and background singers Steve Green and Lee Young. They released their self-titled debut album in 1981. By 1985 The Gaither Vocal Band was comprised of Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Gary McSpadden, and Bill Gaither. Now fast forward to 2000 and the group's roster was David Phelps (tenor), Guy Penrod (lead), Mark Lowry (baritone), and Bill Gaither (bass). This was the year they released I DO BELIEVE (Spring House), which won a Dove for 'Southern Gospel Album of the Year'. In the liner notes you will find these words: "This collection of songs, some old and some new, voice once again the unchanging truth of the Gospel of Christ. It`s not complicated or dissonant-it`s just God`s perfect melody sung by a few sinners saved by grace".
1. First up is 'He's Watching Me'. Tina Sadler wrote this upbeat song which won a Dove for 'Southern Gospel Song of the Year'. It speaks of God's care and concern for us: "He's a busy God but on His list of things to do/His number one priority is watchin' me and you/He's takin' care of business, feedin' birds and makin' rain/But He'll stop what He's doing when I speak His Name/Cause He's watchin'/He's watchin' me".
2. 'Hide Thou Me' uses the B-3 to good effect and includes these honest thoughts: "Sometimes I feel discouraged and I think my work's in vain/I'm tempted oft to murmur to grumble and complain/O but then I think of Jesus and all He's done for me/Then I cry O Rock of Ages/Hide Thou me".
3. Suzanne Jennings and Woody Wright wrote 'Where the River Flows', an upbeat country song of spiritual invitation: "Where the river flows (2X)/Bring all your troubles/Take off your heavy shoes/Tired of the hustle/Let it wash away your blues/Where the river flows (2X)/Wade in the water/Step off the dusty ground/If it gets hotter/You can cool your spirit down/Flow from heaven/Flow down over me".
4. 'Where No One Stands Alone' is a ballad whose chorus serves as a prayer: "Hold my hand all the way/Ev'ry hour ev'ry day/From here to the great unknown/Take my hand/Let me stand/Where no one stands alone".
5. 'Oh, What a Time' is credited to Lucy Matthews and dates back to 1950. It's a real Southern Gospel toe-tapper that anticipates heaven: "In that fair land/There will be no more night/ No sun or moon/For the Lamb of God is light/It's good to know/That He's prepared the way/To a bright and endless day".
6. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the title track circa 1980. 'I Do Believe' is an easy listening song of testimony: "I do believe/You are the One/The home I've longed to find/My only hope/God's only Son/I do believe/I touch, I see/That all along you've longed to be/My Lord, my God".
7. 'More than Ever' begins by reflecting on being a new Christian: "When I started my journey in fresh childlike trust/I believed that the Lord's way was best/I would read in His Word how He mothered the bird/And grieved when it fell from its nest/How I felt His delight when I chose to do right/And I prayed I would not make Him sad/We would meet on the way in the cool of the day/What a pure sweet communion we had".
8. 'On the Authority' is an upbeat Southern Gospel celebration of one who belongs to God: "On the authority of the Holy Word/I rise up and take my stand/I'm a blood bought child of the living God/Who is the Great I Am/I'm an heir to all that heaven holds/And no principality/Can ever take away my royal crown/Given on His authority".
9. 'The Love of God' dates back to 1949 and was penned by V. B. Ellis. It's a slow, but powerful song about one of our God's main characteristics: "The love of God is greater far than gold or silver ever could afford/It reaches past the highest star and covers all the world/It's power is eternal/Its glory is supernal/When all this earth shall pass away/There'll always be the love of God".
10. Mark Lowry delivers his vocals with humor which I quite enjoy on the great country song 'Steel on Steel'. The song encourages unity in the body: "I really need what you bring to the party/Differences here ain't no big deal/Cause all this rub just makes us better/We sharpen each other like steel on steel..../When the smoke clears I know you're a brother/We'll follow this through to the bitter end/If we stick around we might learn something/Something about how to be a good friend".
11. Suzanne Jennings and Michael Sykes wrote 'Make it Real', an easy listening ballad with lyrics that are very relatable: "There must be some good reason why You brought me here/Through valleys where the shadows hover close/And down here there's a mask to cover every face/But Your sweet face I long to see the most/So if You think there's just the slightest hope for me/In spite of all my questions and my doubts/Then let me hear Your still small voice speak out my name/And let me know what others talk about".
12. 'Sinner Saved by Grace' testifies: "I'm just a sinner saved by grace/When I stood condemned to death/He took my place/Now I live and breathe in freedom with each breath of life I take/Loved and forgiven/Back with the living/I'm just a sinner saved by grace".
13. Suzanne Jennings, Michael Sykes, and Guy Penrod wrote 'One Good Song'. It's Southern Gospel and speaks out against materialism: "Well I used to believe that the more you had/Got you through these days/Made your poor heart glad/But I'm paring down/I've been cutting back/And I don't even miss/All the things I lack/I'm learnin' how to separate the wants from the needs/The good life now consists of just a few simple things/Jesus in my heart/And a place to belong/A few close friends/And a one good song".
14. Last up is the Southern Gospel ballad 'Something to Say' on which Bill Gaither takes the lead. It speaks of the importance of having a personal faith in Jesus: "I've sung along with some pretty good singers/And I've been in churches where the sweet Spirit lingers/But you've never lived/'Til the words become true/'Til forgiveness and mercy mean something to you/And you've never cried/Til the tears come from faith/You've never lived/Til you have something to say".
I DO BELIEVE contains six fast paced songs and eight slower songs. The main musical genres here are Southern Gospel, country, and easy listening. Musical instruments used include: piano, B-3, harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, strings, and brass. Penrod, Lowry, Phelps, and Gaither all take turns singing lead, with the older of the four, Gaither, doing so the least. There are songs of testimony here. They speak of how we are free and forgiven children and heirs of God. There are songs that speak of a desire for intimacy with God-to live in His presence with His power. God is seen as loving and caring on this project. People are invited to become Christians and call heaven their eternal home. 'Steel on Steel' is a standout song about Christian unity and helping each other grow. I DO BELIEVE clocks in at 54 minutes and 45 seconds. I'm rating it a perfect 100 %. Lots of great harmonies here. For more info visit: www.gaither.com or connect with the group members on FACEBOOK.
Steven Curtis Chapman was born in Paducah, Kentucky on November 21, 1962. He released his debut album, FIRST HAND (Sparrow) in 1987. The song 'Weak Days', a co-write with James Isaac Ellliot, became a #2 hit for Chapman. Fast forward to 1999 and Chapman released his ninth studio album SPEECHLESS (Sparrow). It won a Grammy for 'Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album' and a Dove Award for 'Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year'. It was produced by Brown Bannister and Chapman, and executive produced by Peter York and Dan Raines. In the liner notes, Chapman writes: "Thank you, Heavenly Father, for giving us ears to hear the sweet sound of Your amazing grace. May our words seem more and more inadequate as our hearts become more and more aware of how astonishing the gospel of Jesus Christ truly is".
1. Starting things off is 'Dive'. It is one of eight songs solely penned by Steven Curtis Chapman. It won a Dove for 'Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year'. On it Chapman plays the dobro, while he and Scott Sheriff provide backing vocals. These are some of the adventurous lyrics: "I know there is no turning back/Once my feet have left the ledge/And in the rush I hear a voice/That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith/So here I go/I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head/I want to be caught in the rush, lost in the flow, in over my head, I want to go/The river's deep, the river's wide, the river's water is alive/So sink or swim, I'm diving in".
2. The title track, 'Speechless' is one of two songs penned by Chapman and good friend Geoff Moore.
It is essentially a praise and worship song that makes great use of The London Session Orchestra and a choir. Here are some of the lyrics: "I say so many things trying to figure You out/But as mercy opens my eyes/My words are stolen away with this breathtaking view of Your grace/And I am speechless, I'm astonished and amazed/I am silenced by Your wondrous grace/You have saved me/You have raised me from the grave/And I am speechless in Your presence now/I'm astounded as I consider how/You have shown us/A love that leaves us speechless".
3. 'The Change' is a dandy pop/rock number written by Chapman and James Isaac Elliott. It points out that having Jesus merchandise is not enough: "Well, I got myself a T-shirt that says what I believe/I got letters on my bracelet to serve as my ID/I got the necklace and the key chain/And almost everything a good Christian needs, yeah/I got the little Bible magnets on my refrigerator door/And a welcome mat to bless you before you walk across my floor.../What about the change?/What about the difference?"
4. 'Great Expectations' is an adult contemporary song about faith: "We've been invited with the Son/And we've been invited to come and believe the unbelievable/Receive the inconceivable/And see beyond our wildest imagination.../Lord, we come with great expectations".
5. Chapman and Adam Anders wrote the peppy pop song 'Next 5 Minutes' on which Randy Pearce plays electric guitar. It's about treasuring the time we have: "Every moment God is giving is precious/Every heartbeat, every breath I take/We'll never have them back once they've left us/There will never be another right now/So right now/I'm living the next 5 minutes/Like these are my last 5 minutes/Cause I know the next 5 minutes/ May be all I have".
6. Steven wrote 'Fingerprints of God' for his daughter Emily. The song uses handclaps and Scott Sheriff plays the B-3. It's one of seven singles from this album that made it to #1 on Christian Contemporary radio. It's a real self-esteem booster: "Just look at you/You're a wonder in the making/Oh, and God's not through, no/In fact, He's just getting started and/I can see the fingerprints of God/When I look at you/I can see the fingerprints of God/And I know it's true/You're a masterpiece/That all creation quietly applauds/And you're covered with the fingerprints of God".
7. Chapman plays the mandolin on 'The Invitation', an inspirational ballad that could serve as an altar call: "The King and His only Son are inviting us inside/This is our invitation/Come sinner as you are/Come find what your soul has been longing for/Come find your peace/Come join the feast/Come in, this is your invitation/This is our invitation/This is the invitation".
8. Next up is the upbeat pop/rock song 'Whatever'. It speaks of how God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours: "So strike a match, set fire to the list/Of all my good intentions, all my preconceived ideas/I want to do Your will no matter what it is/Give me faith to follow where You lead me/Oh, Lord, give me the courage and the strength to do whatever, whatever You say".
9. Chapman and Chris Eaton sing backing vocals on 'I Do Believe'. I like this verse from this energetic track: "Now these can be confusing times/The skeptics posing as the wise/It's hard to see the light/Through all the shadows of the doubt/But You keep saying all the while/It takes the vision of a child/Looking through the eyes of faith to see reality/So once again I will say/I believe You're the life/You're the truth, You're the way".
10. 'What I Really Want to Say' is a romantic ballad written for Steven's wife Mary Beth: "I say I love you, I say I need you/I try so many ways to say how my heart beats for you/I say I'm always thinking about you/There's no way I'd want to face this life without you/And even though these words come from deep inside me/There's so much more I don't have the words to say".
11. 'With Hope' is a soft adult contemporary ballad about death and heaven: "We can cry with hope/We can say goodbye with hope/Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no/And we can grieve with hope/Cause we believe with hope/There's a place by God's grace/There's a place where we'll see your face again/We'll see your face again".
12. 'The Journey' is a lovely orchestral piece of music penned by Chapman and J.A.C. Redford.
13. Shane Keister plays piano on the worshipful closing number 'Be Still and Know'. It includes these words: "Be still and know that He is God/Be still and know that He is faithful/Consider all that He has done/Stand in awe and be amazed/And know that He will never change/Be still".
SPEECHLESS is quite a solid album indeed! Pop/rock and adult contemporary are the main musical genres presented, with there being almost an even number of faster paced and slower songs. This is a lengthy album at 55 minutes and 25 seconds but there's nothing that I would call 'filler' here. This album is about being fully alive in God and living with a sense of wonder. We should obey God and make the most of every minute we have on this earth. Christ should make a noticeable difference in believers' lives. There are a couple of praise and worship songs on the album and there's one about heaven being our ultimate hope. I'm rating this project a perfect 100 % and recommending it to fans of Michael W. Smith and PFR. For more info visit: www.stevencurtischapman.com or connect with him on Facebook.
Susan Rae Hill, better known as Susan Ashton, was born on July 17, 1967 in Irving, Texas. She released her debut album, WAKENED BY THE WIND, in 1991 and was nominated for 'New Artist of the Year' at the Dove Awards. In 1992 her second album, ANGELS OF MERCY, was released. It birthed four CCM #1 singles and was nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Pop Gospel Album'. In 1994 Ashton opened for Garth Brooks on a European tour. Fast forward to 1996 and she put out the album A DISTANT CALL (Sparrow). It was produced by Wayne Kirkpatrick, Brown Bannister, and Michael Omartian. In the liner notes, Susan writes: "To quote the Heidelberg Catechism; This is my only comfort in life and in death: that I belong-body and soul-not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of His own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me".
1. First up is 'You Move Me' a pretty and light country ballad penned by Gordon Kennedy and Pierce Pettis, with background vocals by Dan Tyminski. It speaks of God's transforming power: "So I lie here on the couch/With my heart hanging out/Frozen solid with fear/Like a rock in the ground.../Oh, but You move me, yeah/Out of myself and into the fire/You move me, oh/Burning with love and with hope and desire/How You move me".
2. On 'Blind Side' Gordon Kennedy plays the sitar and Phil Madeira plays the Hammond B-3. This country/pop song speaks of how the devil works: "So I went walking through/The garden of temptation unaware/And I tasted what I wanted/Not looking for the subtle warnings/That might be hidden there/And I barreled through undaunted/Oh, I was seduced by a craving/That left me defenseless".
3. Jimmy Mattingly plays violin and mandolin on 'Body and Soul', a lovely ballad of testimony: "And as sin gives way to atoning blood/And a debt is paid with the riches of love/There's a hope that I see/There's a freedom in me/There's a comfort in death and in life/Knowing that I belong/To the Savior who's making me whole/Body and soul".
4. Sheryl Crow, Kevin Gilbert, and Eric Pressley wrote 'All Kinds of People'. This upbeat pop/rock track offers a commentary on society: "There's a time for love and a time for healing/Can't go back and undo what's been done/Word of mouth, time is revealing/Just how far we've let this kingdom come/Hand in hand we're finding our way/And today is just tomorrow's yesterday/Some would die for you, some will lie to you/There's all kinds of people in this world".
5. Jimmy Mattingly plays fiddle and Kenny Greenberg plays electric guitar and national guitar on 'Crooked Man'. It's a terrific country/rocker about an undesirable fella: "Goodness, like an arrow, lodges where it can/But it never pierces the heart of a crooked man/Justify-when justice wouldn't pay the toll/Subtle lies-when the truth was better half than whole/Driven by an insatiable lust/For power that was just out of reach/Living on an illusion of trust/With a steady dose of control and greed".
6. Wayne Kirkpatrick and Ashton co-wrote 'Spinning Like a Wheel', while Dan Dugmore plays pedal steel and Matt Rollings plays piano. This is an easy listening love song: "Falling like the sand/Deeper than I ever have before/When you take my hand/You take me to forever/A sweet touch, a heart rush/Now I can't catch my breath/Falling like sand/Through the hands of time".
7. 'Hundreds of Tears' includes these words: "In the longest days, in the darkest night/Down the longest road, there's a presence of light/But I hear a voice that calls me/It's love's name I'll call in the end". It's a light pop song.
8. Gayla Borders, Jeff Borders, and Amy Grant wrote 'Send a Message'. Brown Bannister is responsible for the mellotron, strings, and the Chamberlin Flute. This great pop song is one about being in a love relationship: "Just send a message if there's trouble here/I could be oceans away/Just send a message to me loud and clear/Baby, I'll be there for you/Hold me close, don't you ever let go/We got a love that was meant to be/The day we met, I'll never forget/Fate smiled at destiny".
9. Michael Omartian plays piano and Tim Akers plays organ on 'I Will Follow', a country love ballad: "And if fate had carved a canyon wide/And you were caught on the other side/I'd cry some tears deep as the ocean blue/And swim that great divide to get to you/Heaven knows I will go, I will follow (2X)/What is logic compared to love/From the depths of the sea to the stars above/I will follow".
10. Wayne Kirkpatrick and Michael W. Smith co-wrote 'Lonely River' which utilizes the Nashville String Machine. It's a pretty song that is a philosophical diary entry of sorts: "Lonely river/I think I am a lot like you/Winding on in hopes to find the sea/And flooded by uncertainties/The current can be strong/But drifting towards our destinies/The arm of God is long/And I believe that through this journey/'Til we're finally home/Lonely river, we will never, run alone".
11. Alison Krauss & Union Station are featured on the closing song 'Love Profound'. This country ballad reflects on the nature of romantic love: "Our love knows no limits and our love knows no bounds/Oh, it confounds the wisest of sages/Isn't love profound?/Oh, it sings when we're weary from so many tears/Rocking us gently it cradles our fears/In those times when we feel like we've come to our end/It gives us the strength to start over again".
A DISTANT CALL clocks in at 52 minutes and 52 seconds to be exact! Susan's vocals are very soothing and heartwarming. You can tell she really 'feels' these songs and the messages in them. Country and pop are the main musical genres presented on these eleven tracks. There is almost an even number of fast paced songs and ballads. Truth be told this is an album that could be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians. On some tracks, Ashton does sing about God's love and having an intimate relationship with Him, but she does so in a non-judgmental way. Several of the songs also speak of happy, romantic love, while one or two warn against 'bad apples' so to speak. There are four modest but beautiful pics of Susan included with this CD which I'm rating 96.5 %. For more info visit: www.susanashtonmusic.com and/or connect with her on Facebook.
Michael Card was born on April 11, 1957 in Madison, Tennessee. As a post-secondary student he worked for six years at a planetarium. His debut album FIRST LIGHT dropped in 1981 and featured 'I Have Decided'. In the following years he became known for such songs as : 'Love Crucified Arose', 'Known by the Scars', and 'Celebrate the Child'. In 1983 he won a Dove for Songwriter of the Year for 'El Shaddai', a co-write with John Thompson. It was a #1 hit for Amy Grant who recorded it for her 1982 AGE TO AGE project. Fast forward to 1994 and Card released POIEMA (Sparrow). It was produced by Phil Naish except for one song 'Bearers of the Light' which was produced by Brown Bannister. In the liner notes Card writes: "The Bible tells us that we are God's masterpieces (Greek poiema); not only creatures, but His creations, His poems (Ephesians 2:10)...These songs are a result of listening to my life and the lives of others close to me, to try to hear the parables, poems, and songs; to determine what some of the moments mean".
1. First up is 'The Poem of Your Life', one of nine songs written solely by Card. It's a pleasant Celtic pop tune that encourages us to truly live: "So look in the mirror and pray for the grace/To tear off the mask, see the art of your face/Open your earlids to hear the sweet song/Of each moment that passes and pray to prolong/Your time in the ball of the dance of your days/Your canvas of colors of moments ablaze/With all that is holy, with the joy and the strife/With the rhythm and rhyme of the poem of your life (2X)".
2. Dan Dugmore plays dobro on the inspirational ballad 'The Basin and the Towel', which is about true servanthood: "In an upstairs room/A parable is just about to come alive/And while they bicker about who's best/With a painful glance He'll silently rise/Their Savior Servant must show them how/Through the will of the water and the tenderness of the towel/And the call is to community/The impoverished power that sets the soul free/In humility to take the vow/That day after day we must take up/The basin and the towel".
3. Card co-wrote 'Things We Leave Behind' with Scott Roley, and Phil Madeira. Dan Dugmore plays steel guitar on this song that speaks out against materialism: "Every heart needs to be set free/From possessions that hold it so tight/Cause freedom's not found in the things that we own/It's the power to do what is right/With Jesus our only possession/Then giving becomes our delight/And we can't imagine the freedom we find/From the things we leave behind".
4. Card co-wrote 'Earthly Perfect Harmony' with Randy Scruggs. It's an easy listening ballad with Sam Levine playing the alto flute. Marriage is the subject matter: "Lately it seems that all our dreams/Have slipped right through our hands/And I've become both doubt and also doubter/It's hard to ask if love has passed us by/Or if it's simply gone to sleep/To slumber till our hearts decide to wake it/Or could it be that we forgot The Source of our special love?/Turned our backs upon the One who made it burn and glow?"
5. 'Home' is a beautiful and sentimental ballad: "Home is a comfort and home is a light/A place to leave the darkness outside/Home is a peaceful and ever-full feeling/A place where a soul safely hides/And being at home should remind you that still/There's a place that's prepared just for you/And I think my home is just heaven's reflection/As long as my home's here with you".
6. 'Lowden's Prayer' "is dedicated to George and his wife, Flo, and to the many other believing craftsmen and women who labor in wood and steel to make instruments for God's praise". It's a pretty instrumental that finds Maire Breatnach playing fiddle, Liam O'Flynn on uillean pipes and whistle, and Carl Marsh on the hammered dulcimer.
7. Next up is 'The Poem of Your Life (Reprise)'. It's short and sweet.
8. 'The Edge' is one of two songs penned by Card and Phil Naish. It's an adult contemporary song that finds Michael making a serious pledge: "I promise I will always leave the darkness for the light/I swear by all that's holy/I will not give up the fight/I'll drink down death like water/Before I ever come again/To that dark place where I might make the choice for life to end". Dann Huff and Sonny Lallerstedt play electric guitars.
9. 'Hope' is a good pop song of encouragement: "Hope you in the Lord and renew your strength/Soar you up on eagle's wings/Tirelessly run the long race that's set before you/Your life's a song the Father sings/Though your life may seem to sound a dark and minor key/It will someday shift itself to major/And the lyric of your life will rhyme/With nothing less than joy/And you'll find that hope is from the One that you believe".
10. Carrie Hodge, Michael Mellett, and Angelo Petrucci provide backing vocals on 'Bearers of the Light'. Here are some of the words: "The great need of us all/A true mentor, a Paul/Who has traveled the road that's before us/He has made good the pledge to take the Light on ahead/We can follow his footsteps before us/The Light we must bear is the Light we must share/Is the Light that illumines the darkness/The promises kept give us strength to accept/This burden of bearing the Light".
11. Card wrote 'The Greening of Belfast' after visiting Northern Ireland. "Like our own country there is no solution to the problems there, political or otherwise, apart from prayer" writes Card. This tender song finds Card playing a Celtic harp and uses a choir. It's a prayer: "Pray for the greening of Belfast/That what is now barren might bloom and be fair/God loves the city of Belfast/For so many children who love Him live there/So many children who love Him live there/So pray for the greening of Belfast".
12. 'For F. F. B.' is an adult contemporary ballad that serves as a tribute to Card's grandfather who was a preacher. The song ends with these words from one of his sermons: "I have no hope, except that I believe that Christ died for my sins, according to Scriptures. I expect to swing out into eternity on that".
13. Phil Naish plays piano on the beautiful ballad 'Sunrise of Your Smile', inspired by Card's son. Here's the chorus: "For I would wander weary miles/Would welcome ridicule, my child/To simply see the sunrise of your smile/To see the light behind your eyes/The happy thought that makes you fly/Yes, I would wander weary miles/To simply see the sunrise of your smile".
The theme of POIEMA is life itself. There are a couple of songs about marriage, a song of love to Card's grandfather, and a loving song about Card's son. This album makes it clear that our lives are poems-works of art in progress if you will. Life can be hard, but Card encourages us to live life in community with others and press on and live in the light of Christ. We should leave all for Christ and serve others. Musically, the album is mostly easy listening and light adult pop/contemporary, but there are definitely Celtic influences. Card's vocals are soothing and the album does get you a bit sleepy, but that's okay, because there are many great songs on POIEMA. I'm rating this one 93%. For more info visit: www.michaelcard.com.
Christian metal band Deliverance released their self-titled debut album in 1989. It was followed by what many fans consider to be their best effort, WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE (1990). 3 of my favorite albums from the band are: WHAT A JOKE (1991), RIVER DISTURBANCE (1994), and CAMELOT IN SMITHEREENS (1995). In 2013 they put out HEAR WHAT I SAY!, which was said to be their swan song. Fast forward to 2018 and Deliverance has risen again, this time with THE SUBVERSIVE KIND (Roxx Productions). The group's roster this time around is: Jimmy P. Brown II (lead vocals and guitars), Jim Chaffin (drums), Glenn Rogers (guitars), and Victor Macias (bass). Chaffin was with The Crucified, Macias with Tourniquet, and Rogers was an original Deliverance member. The album was produced by Jimmy P. Brown and Jim Chaffin and executive produced by Bill Bafford. Jimmy P. Brown II has said that he wanted this album to sound like it was recorded in 1986 and and wanted it to kick the listener in the teeth! Dictionary.com defines 'subversive' as "tending or intending to subvert or overthrow, destroy, or undermine an established or existing system, especially a legally constituted government or set of beliefs".
1. Starting things off is the album's second single, 'Bring 'Em Down'. Brown calls this one "in your face". It offers a bleak commentary on society: "Superficial views of what my life's supposed to be/Abnorm is norm, we adopt a fractured reality/Shattered image, human frailty is wide awake/Polished gems, a golden hue of idols that we make.../Slavery prevails, the zombies walking tall, a game of give and take/Give and take!/Bring 'em down!" Greg Minier of The Crucified provides lead guitar solos.
2. Glenn Rogers provides great electric guitar solos on the epic thrash metal song 'Concept of the Other'. It speaks of how we label, fear, and hate people who are different from us in some way: "Prejudicial blinds, become the dark veil of truth/A guilty eye for an eye, a bloody tooth for tooth/Call attention to the differences in their belief/Selling God with different names, the educated thief/We've clearly drawn the line of who to justify to hate/Reasoning by law and love/The blindfolded one has sealed their fate".
3. The angry thrasher 'Center of it All' follows. It's directed at a very selfish person: "You really are the center of it all/The other names you can't recall/You really are the center of it all/The ditch is dug waiting for your fall.../I look at you and see myself, image of what I used to be/Don't get me wrong I'm not your judge/Just calling out what I see/If you heard half your BS, you might understand what I mean/The limpid, the crimped, the crawl to a slow insanity".
4. The album's first single, 'The Black Hand' is up next. It's a blistering thrash track with crazy good electric guitar work. It vividly describes a panic attack: "Gasping for air, heart rate rises/Impending doom awaits/No danger in sight, only feel fear/Neurosis waits for you to take the bait.../And when it comes in day or night/Your senses numbing rob you of sight/Fire and ice lost in a haze/The hand gripping you, mind in a maze".
5. Brown says 'Epilogue' is about being pigeon-holed in the Contemporary Christian Music industry. He admits he did it to himself when he signed with a Christian label, so he can't blame his fans. Here is how the song begins: "I've created my crucifixion, felt the affixiation, circled my own stage, incited the crowd's rage/Called out all my own crimes, defenses sublime/I struck the gavel down hard, followed the path of the bard". Notably, it is on this slower metal song that Brown plays his only lead guitar solo, and it's a good one.
6. 'Listen Closely' darn near gets evangelistic with these lyrics: "You've been suckered, you believed it all/A victim of the selling game!/There is hope, just believe The Truth/It's out there waiting, waiting for you/It's not impossible, it's not worse than that!/An answer lies in wait, just see!/It won't come easy, friend that much is fact/Seek and you will find, righteous path will be".
7. The thrash title track 'The Subversive Kind' is about agitating, causing a revolution, and bringing about change: "Insurrection, a call to the unrest/The revolt puts courage to the test/Retake, repossess powers that be/Harmless dove subdues so subtly". The melodic chorus states as follows: "But I'm not the subversive kind/I'll give you products of a disturbed mind/I'm not the subversive kind/Be careful of what is hidden behind".
8. Last up is the powerful anthem of encouragement 'The Fold' on which Minier and Rogers provide great guitar solos. It's about overcoming in life: "I won't let faith unravel, crushing down the gavel, awaiting arrival!/I won't give up, won't take the bait!/I'll see it through/Run the course, it's what's at stake!/Too easy to fold, easy to give in!/I'll not let them control me/Keep fighting for the win!/I won't fold!"
For those long-time Deliverance fans longing for a sequel to WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE, you get it here when it comes to the music and the vocals. This is a straight-up thrash record comprised of incredible musicianship. If you're into headbanging to songs of breakneck speeds crank this sucker up! Jimmy's vocals are partly sung, partly shouted, and partly spoken. The album has an intense, urgent, agitatated sound to it which means it won't be for everyone. As far as this being a sequel to WEAPONS lyrically-it simply isn't for the most part. On this newest project from the big 'D' you have to more read between the lines to hear any Christian themes. There are some good messages here, I just wouldn't call it a 'Christian metal' album. I am however rating it a perfect 100 % for what it is-thrash music that will make you think about what you're hearing Jimmy sing. Selfishly I do hope in the future Deliverance does a full out thrash album with blatant but not hateful Christian lyrics. At any rate, for more info visit www.roxxproductions.com, 3frogzstudio.com, and connect with the band and its members on facebook.
Andy Chrisman, Mark Harris, Marty Magehee, and Kirk Sullivan met while they were in the CCM group Truth. As 4HIM they released their self-titled debut in 1990. Over the next few years they became known for such songs as: 'Where there is Faith', 'A Man You Would Write About', 'The Basics of Life', and 'A Strange Way to Save the World'. Their sixth studio album was THE MESSAGE (1996, Benson). In the liner notes you will find the following: "The mission of 4HIM is to edify the church, evangelize the lost and strive for excellence in music".
1. Mark Harris, Brent Bourgeois, and Chris Eaton wrote the album opener 'Lay it All on the Line'. Glenn Pearce plays electric guitars and Bruce Gaitsch plays acoustic guitars on this pop song about giving all to Christ: "So don't go wastin' your time/Holding on to your life/Just lay it all on the line/Gotta make up your mind/There can be no more compromise/Just lay it all on the line/It's a matter of surrendering every hidden fear/And by letting go of everything/Jesus will meet You there".
2. Mark Harris, Don Koch, and Stephanie Lewis wrote 'The Measure of a Man', while Phil Madeira plays B-3 on it. It's an adult contemporary song about what truly makes one a man: "Oh, I say the measure of a man is not how tall you stand/How wealthy or intelligent you are/'Cause I've found out the measure of a man/God knows and understands/For He looks inside to the bottom of your heart/And what's in the heart defines/The measure of a man".
3. 'Land of Mercy' is a great, energetic pop song about our redemption: "I've discovered there's nothing left to judge/Forgiveness is the final word/Cause everywhere I turn I see compassion but I'm learning/I'm just a fallen man/In the land of mercy/Love is free to grow where heaven's healing waters flow/Though I may not understand/I'm living in the land of mercy".
4. Mark Harris, Don Koch, and Michael Omartian wrote the title track, 'The Message'. Michael plays keyboards, Tommy Simms plays bass, Chris McHugh plays drums, and Bob Mason plays cello on this adult contemporary anthem about reaching the lost: "To live a love that never fails/To love my neighbor as myself/And to give 'til there is nothing left to give/To live a faith that never dies/To be crucified with Christ/Until all that lives through me is the message/If we all will work together/We can make this world a better place to live/We can make a difference if we try".
5. 'The King and I' speaks of intimacy with God: "The sun is rising and once again the morning finds me on my knees/On the day's horizon I have got an invitation to see the King/Far away from the worries that weigh me down/I am taken to holy ground/To the place where mercy and love abounds/There in the midst of His throne/I know in my heart this is where I belong".
6. 'The Center of the Mark' is an easy listening ballad that reminds us love is a verb, requiring action: "Draw back your bow, let love go/Shoot straight for the heart/With all of your might, set your sight/Take aim from the start/To love God and love people/That's the center of the mark".
7. Mark Harris, Dave Clark, and Don Koch wrote 'Window With a View' on which Jackie Street plays bass and Dann Huff, George Cocchini, and Jerry McPherson play guitars. This catchy pop song reminds us God is always with us: "Through Your window with a view/Straight into my soul/Nothing in creation is hidden from Your window with a view/How else could You know what we're going through?/There is no mystery to You/You've got a window/A window with a view".
8. 'All the Evidence I Need' includes these words of comfort: "I know Your love reaches out to me/In my weakest of days/For I've felt Your touch in my heart of hearts/Though I've never even seen Your face".
9. Marty Magehee wrote 'Sacred Hideaway'. It's an experimental sounding pop song about intimacy with God: "I have found a secret place/Where I can go to hide away/Safe inside this hallowed space/I am concealed by saving grace/Forever in this sacred hideaway".
10. Next up is 'A Lot Like You' which was written by Mark Harris, Keith Dudley, and Michael Omartian. It's a memorable pop song of reflection: "We're living in this world/But are we making a difference?/Maybe the salt in us is out of season/They look into our eyes/I wonder what are they seeing/Has Jesus been disguised by our religion?/We say He's already come/And that He's livin' in us/But can He really be found in our lives today?"
11. Last up is 'Greatest Story Ever Told'. Keyboards and arranging are by Bill Baumgart, while Craig Duncan plays the hammered dulcimer and mandolin. This one is an adult contemporary ballad that reflects on the Bible: "For thousands of years/This pearl of great wisdom/Has weathered through changes/And lasted through years/Many a doubter has risen and fallen/But the story has never once abandoned its course/For the Author still speaks to the listening ones/Through the voices of men and through the pages/The pages of love".
A common theme on THE MESSAGE is that of being in an intimate, personal relationship with God. He talks to us and we talk to Him. We truly hear each other. 4HIM stresses the importance of loving and being devoted to God. They also sing about God's love and mercy toward us. Without either, we would be lost and doomed. Listeners are reminded that God looks at our character. That is of utmost importance to Him. Also, He desires that we don't hide Him under a bushel, but that we spread His love around the world and share the Gospel message with those who need to hear it. The vocals on this album are great! If you love pop and adult contemporary music in the vein of Backstreet Boys and Point of Grace you'll love this album which I'm rating a perfect score of 100%. For more info connect with the group members on facebook.
Stryper released their debut album, THE YELLOW AND BLACK ATTACK, in 1984. Other notable albums from this controversial band include 1986's TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL and NO MORE HELL TO PAY (2013). Fast forward to 2018 and they are back with GOD DAMN EVIL (Frontiers Records). It peaked at #2 on the US Billboard Christian Albums chart and at #6 on the US Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. Lead singer Michael Sweet produced the album and says: "We thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time...It's a very bold statement, yet a prayer, asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less". Stryper is Michael Sweet (lead vocals/lead guitars), Oz Fox (lead guitars, bgvs), Robert Sweet (drums, visual timekeeper), and former Firehouse member Perry Richardson on bass. Due to time restraints, Richardson did not play on the album-instead, John O'Boyle played bass, having worked with Sweet in the past. Paul McNamara plays keys/moog, Danny Bernini plays percussion, and Charles Foley provides backing vocals on this project.
1. The album's first single, 'Take it to the Cross' is up first. Some of the band's fans had wanted them to try something heavier for a while now, so what we have here is a heavy metal song with a thrash chorus complete with a death growl by Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall. I actually think it works. The lyrics are straight forward Christian ones: "We were created, yet that is debated/But Christ said it so perfectly/'I am the Way and the Truth and the Life and you get to The Father through Me'/Through Me!/Take it to the cross (6X)".
2. 'Sorry' is a catchy power rock song about relationships. The chorus is not that creative: "Sorry/It doesn't always make it starry/Maybe next time be more charming/So you don't have to say sorry/No, you don't have to say sorry". Michael can still scream though!
3. 'Lost' is a terrific metal song with sizzling electric guitar work. It speaks about the spiritual sickness in society: "Watch the news and read the stories/It's a nightmare/Run for cover/Search for glory/Is it really anywhere?/Are we lost? Are we lost?/At what cost?/Are we lost?".
4. 'God Damn Evil' is one heck of a melodic heavy metal title track, again with great electric guitar work. Michael's vocals are excellent on this one. It declares war on the devil and his works and ways: "We power up the empty screen and let the games begin/Far beyond its poisoning is a special kind of sin/We open locks and break the chains and let the devil in/We're losing all of what remains/In a war we'll never win (2X)/God damn evil/God damn it all/But God save the people/But God damn the walls". Tyler Murello, Robert Sweet, and Paul McNamara provide additional background vocals.
5. 'You Don't Even Know Me' is a manly rocker addressed to Michael's critics: "Everything you do and say/Shows the world exactly who you are/Tip your hat the proper way/While cutting with your knife and leaving scars/Who do you think you are?/You don't even know me/But you think you're a god/You continue to show me/That you're only a fraud".
6. 'The Valley' is a plodding heavy metal number of spiritual determination: "I've spent my life trying to be a solar light in the darkest sea/Wearing my shield/For the final fight/I won't back down/I won't bend a knee/Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death/I fear no evil, no evil". The electric guitar work is crazy good!
7. 'Sea of Thieves' speaks of spiritual endurance: "We're alive and we are breathing/And we're surviving through it all/And for as long as hearts are beating, oh yeah/Our faith protects us when we fall/Love is second to none/The brightest star up in the sky/The story's just begun/We're not here to live to die/Stand/Stronger than an ancient tree/Land is just beyond the open sea of thieves".
8. 'Beautiful' is a melodic rocker that is a real confidence booster: "Your spirit and your soul/Can make dull worlds glow/When the cold needs a fire/You're the spark/You're more than a million to one/So shine with the moon and the sun/Cause you are beautiful/You are wonderful/Your life is meaningful/You will always be to me beautiful".
9. 'Can't Live Without Your Love' is a pretty rock ballad in the vein of AGAINST THE LAW's 'Lady'. Here are some of the sentimental lyrics: "Girl I've gotta tell you something/That I don't ever say enough/You took my life from next to nothing/When I was down and things were rough.../Woman/I can't live without your love/Every moment/Is just what this dream's made of/I can't live without your love".
10. 'Own Up' seems aimed at an enemy: "You're gonna have to own up/Gonna have to take the heat/You can't just phone up and say that it wasn't me/You're gonna have to own up/Say what you want/Act nonchalant/Continue to taunt/But man it must really haunt you/I know it's haunting you".
11. The album ends as it began, with a thrash metal vibe (minus the growling though) on 'The Devil Doesn't Live Here'. Here's the bold chorus: "The devil doesn't live here/Only, Jesus/Sold out with no fear/Only to Jesus".
Regardless of what you think of the album title, GOD DAMN EVIL is a mighty fine album, right up there with some of Stryper's now classic and heralded earlier albums. GDE makes it clear that the world we live in is in spiritual trouble. The devil is roaming about trying to destroy our souls. However, we can have hope if we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and accept what he did at Calvary on the cross for us. This album encourages believers to have spiritual determination and an attitude of overcoming. Human relationships are also a theme on the album. There are songs about romantic relationships, one's enemies, and a marvelous song to boost your self-esteem. Stryper fans will be pleased with Michael's signature screams, the harmony vocals, and the outstanding electric guitar solos and work. Fans of hard rock and heavy metal need to pick up or download this album which I'm rating 97%. For more info visit: www.stryper.com and www.frontiers.it.
